Therapeutic efficacy and safety of propylthiouracil in psoriasis: An open-label study
Background: Psoriasis is a common hyperproliferative disorder of the skin associated with significant morbidity. Most of the drugs used in psoriasis provide only a temporary relief, whereas they are riddled with potential toxicities and cost concerns. Hence, there is a constant need to explore newer...
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Veröffentlicht in: | Indian journal of dermatology, venereology, and leprology venereology, and leprology, 2012-08, Vol.77 (6) |
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Sprache: | eng |
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Zusammenfassung: | Background: Psoriasis is a common hyperproliferative disorder of the
skin associated with significant morbidity. Most of the drugs used in
psoriasis provide only a temporary relief, whereas they are riddled
with potential toxicities and cost concerns. Hence, there is a constant
need to explore newer, effective, orally administered, and
cost-effective drugs with minimal adverse effects. In this scenario,
propylthiouracil (PTU), an antithyroid thioureylene has been shown to
be effective in psoriasis which satisfies the above criteria. Aim: The
objective of our study is to assess the clinical efficacy of PTU in
psoriasis. Methods: A total of 25 patients with plaque psoriasis were
treated with oral PTU for 12 weeks. Clinical response was assessed
using the "Psoriasis Area and Severity Index" (PASI) score.
Routine blood analyses and thyroid function tests were carried out
periodically during the study. Results: Oral PTU produced significant
clearing of lesions at 6 weeks and 12 weeks of the study period in all
patients, as demonstrated by the reduction in PASI scores (33.9% in 6
weeks and 74.1% reduction in 12 weeks). Four patients experienced near
complete clearing of the lesions. One patient developed mild elevation
of liver enzymes which reversed on withdrawal of PTU. None of the
patients had hypothyroidism or cytopenias. Conclusion: PTU
significantly clears the lesions in psoriasis with minimal adverse
effects. Hence, it can be considered as a therapeutic option in
psoriasis, especially when the standard drugs cannot be used due to
their toxicities or forbidding cost. |
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ISSN: | 0378-6323 |